The document, signed between ILS President Phil Slack and ISS-Reshetnev General Director Nikolay Testoyedov, states that the two companies will work together to identify those spacecraft that could be paired with ISS-Reshetnev-built satellites and dual launched in a stacked configuration – with the lower spacecraft supporting the upper spacecraft on top – aboard Proton rockets. With this agreement, ILS would search for non-Russian spacecraft that could share their launch with ISS-Reshetnev-made satellites and together the companies would assess the technical feasibility.

ILS and ISS-Reshetnev Company have also agreed to hold meetings on a regular basis to evaluate the commercial environment and any mutually beneficial joint initiatives that would foster the development and growth of the global satellite industry.

Phil Slack said, “This agreement puts in a place a solid foundation for our cooperation with ISS-Reshetnev—one of the most prolific spacecraft manufacturers—in meeting the commercial demand for a cost-effective solution to launching lighter spacecraft. This is an innovative approach that will certainly be of great benefit to our existing customers and new entrants alike.”

Nikolay Testoyedov, in his turn, added, “It creates a perfect scenario which will be advantageous for all of those involved. It will allow ISS-Reshetnev satellites to be launched in a timely manner and at a competitive and reasonable cost. We look forward to further collaborating with ILS and providing outstanding access to space.”

About Academician M.F. Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems

Academician M.F. Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems is Russia’s leading supplier of spacecraft for communications, navigation and geodetic purposes. The Reshetnev Company provides a wide range of services through the full life cycle of space complexes from satellite design to in-orbit control and support. The company has built more than 1200 satellites and 40 space-based systems to date.

Being a prime contractor under a number of programs, ISS-Reshetnev is responsible for the development of a space segment of the global navigation satellite system GLONASS, the multi-functional data-relay system Loutch and the personal satellite communications system Gonets. The company is currently carrying out commercial projects for the development and manufacture of Express-AM5, Express-AM6, Express-AT1, Express-AT2, Express-AM8 and Yamal-401 communications spacecraft ordered by Russian satellite operators as well as KazSat-3 and Lybid satellites ordered by the Republic of Kazakhstan and Ukraine respectively.

About International Launch Services

International Launch Services (ILS) is a world leader in providing launch services for global satellite operators and offers a complete array of services and support, from contract signing through mission management and in-orbit delivery. ILS has exclusive rights to market Proton launch services for commercial and civil satellite programs world-wide. ILS is a U.S. company headquartered in Reston, VA, a suburb of Washington, D.C.